Watson as Ryder Cup Captain in ’14?
Recent news from the Australian Open this past weekend was discussion about Tom Watson being the potential Ryder Cup Captain in 2014.
Watson has not been asked about being the Captain officially, but if asked Watson said it would be a privilege to take over after Davis Love III. The PGA of America has said that it wants to win and that it might be time to think out of the box.
Thinking out of the box for them is to potentially choose someone that has not won the PGA. Typically to be a captain of the Ryder Cup you would need a PGA win, although that is not an official requirement.
The Ryder Cup will be played in Scotland in 2014, where Tom Watson has had tremendous success in winning his British Opens. Tom may be respected in that country, but I am not sure if that would make any difference in the reception of the U.S. Team during the Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup is a different animal and it is golf’s only version of the Super Bowl or the World Cup.
Would Tom Watson make a good Captain in the Ryder Cup?
Other talks have been about Fred Couples captaining the Ryder Cup, which in my opinion would be a logical step since he was an assistant captain in 2012.
Would Freddy be willing to put two years into this Ryder Cup?
Would Davis Love III repay Freddy by being an assistant captain for him?
What about Jim Furyk or potentially Phil Mickelson as a playing captain?
These are great questions and I am interested in hearing your opinion on who would make a great captain in 2014.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ Goecks
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34 Comments
I have seen Watson several times at majors, he is a competitor and a winner, even at his age he should still win more, his knowledge and his civility and politeness will be a difficult challenge for Team Europe but unfortunately he will lose at Gleneagles, Europe is just too strong for the USA to beat!! Happy Holidays!!
Allan Coates,
Thanks Allan for the blog post. I think Watson will be a good captain, but at the end of the day it comes down to putting. Hopefully we underdogs can make a few and keep it close. Merry Christmas and have a safe New Years.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I think it’s a great choice for the USA team.
Watson has a great reputation on and off the golf course and his achievements in the game speak for themselves.
I don’t think he’ll have any problems with Tiger Woods should he be picked.
Troy Vayanos,
Thanks Troy for the blog post. I agree with you. Maybe they need someone like Tom. I don’t think there is a player that wouldn’t listen to Tom when it comes to playing in the wind. One of the biggest factors among tour players is they are always trying to learn and become better.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Hi CJ
It doesn’t matter who you have as Captain
we will still beat you again.
Ed
Eddie Webb,
Thanks Eddie for the blog post. I don’t like these posts from you Europeans dammit because I have no comeback. Best wishes and make sure you stay in contact. I will be doing a golf school in Europe in September. Hope to see you there.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I think Watsons a great pick, well respected as a gentleman and a great player. Would have some concerns about his ability to get the guys fired up, he seems pretty laid back. Freddy would also be a good pick and maybe better at rallying the troops. Phil Mickelson…I don’t think he should even be asked to play let alone Captain the event. He needs to show more desire for the home team to win. Yeah he’s got some good shots in his bag but during the Ryder he makes more mistakes and dumb decisions like changing clubs and balls.
i like Freddy Couples
John Rutledge,
Thanks John for the blog post. I like Freddy too. Heck, I think Freddy should be a playing captain. He can still play and I think he would be great in match play. During the Presidents cup he has dominated, maybe because it is not as much pressure as the Ryder Cup, but I don’t care. When you need clutch shots coming down the end your not thinking…oh it doesn’t matter it is only the presidents cup. I think his demeanor would be great for some partners.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Tom Watson has been named 2014 Ryder Cup Captain.
Hey everyone I just finished responding to some blog questions and checked my email where the golf channel is reporting that Tom Watson will be named the next Ryder Cup Captain. You can find the article on Golf Channel, but basically they said they wanted to deviate from the norm of forty somethings that still are on the tour and are connected with the players. The PGA feels Watson who lead the team to victory in ’93 will be a great choice to win the next Ryder Cup. So much for our speculation about Freddy Couples, although I’m sure they had some discussions with Freddy during the last Ryder Cup.
CJ
Considering we have done rather poor lately at the Ryder Cup, and Tom Watson is the BEST at links Golf that we have, I think he is an excellent choice.
Many have said it quite frankly, that Davis Love (a really nice guy) was an absolutely terrible captain. He let the players decide pretty much what they wanted to do and who they wanted to play, That, is NOT a captain or a leader. Couples is a nice guy also, but I think that Watson is without a doubt the best choice. Furyk???? Give me a break. He should not have even been on the last team. Captain???
Mr. personality (NOT!!!) Phil is a nice guy, but also a bad choice (at least at this point in time). I believe that in the end the players are what matters, their motivation, and whoever is playing best at that time should be on the team. I for one would like to NOT see Woods (unless he is playing at a respectable level). I know the media and their absolute love affair with the guy (ad nauseum). But we have some great players who should have been on the last team, and were passed up. I believe and hope that at least the captain’s picks will be better in 2014. Thanks for listening to my rant.
Dan,
Thanks for the blog rant. lol. No problem sir. I am glad you wrote in and spoke your mind. That is why the blog is here and I think you have some very good points. I really like Phil Mickelson as a person and a player, although I feel he was too nice and congratulatory at the end. I just don’t ever remember being in contention at a tournament and rooting for the other player. Is it just me?
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
It is irrelevant to who is the Captain, it is the players who are the show not some non playing person. Who cares who is made to be Captain as long as the team is kept happy and wins. America are too in grossed with winning at all costs,tough tit they need a better selection of FORM players not the Captains pet players, who continually fail!
Dave Mitchell,
Thanks Dave for the blog post. Maybe the correct captain will choose the proper selection of Form players…Who knows. Best wishes.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Whenever the question who should captain the Ryder Cup the only right and fair choice should be Larry Nelson. It’s one of the worst slights and disrespectful oversights in golf not to choose Larry Nelson even though it should have happened 20 years ago. Couples can’t come close to Nelson’s record.
Charlie Berger,
Thanks Charlie for the comment and you are correct. There has to be something there that we are not hearing. Did he slight someone high up? When he won did he act like a complete ass? There has been lots of support for Larry but he kept getting passed over. I am just wondering if there is something missing to the story as he seems like he would have been a logical choice many times and I am not sure why.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Hey CJ,
First, let me say, I agree. I think Freddie Couples would be a great choice.
Just wanted to add that I love all your articles, videos, lessons, opinions, etc. I get the impression that you really care for your members (us). It’s like talking to one of the guys. Football fans always said that they liked John Madden, because listening to him talk about football was like hanging out with friends, just talking sports. You come across as that type of guy. Open with your answers and genuinely looking to help golfers enjoy the game as much as possible. No matter their talent level
Keep up the great work.
Steve
Steve Rosenberg,
Thanks Steve for the blog post and the kind words. I am truly blessed to be able to have this many supporters and I am glad that my emotion and sincerity has flown through the texts on these pages. I am genuinely looking to help golfers and I do feel I have the best job in the world. Thank you for recognizing that and letting me know that others see it as well. There is nothing that brings me more happiness than to help others with this great game.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I believe Tom watson won the 2001 PGA.
Stan King,
Thanks Stan for the blog post. You are correct that Tom won the 2001 Senior PGA championship. Thanks for writing in and reminding me.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Frankly the way he is playing Tom would be more value playing in the event. Watching a couple of his rounds here down under showed he can hold it together while others fall away.
Vaughan Liddelow,
Thanks Vaughan for the blog post. You bring up some good points. He played great in the tournament and shot 69 in the final round when the leaders shot in the 80′s. I know he went off early before the real storm blew in, but you would know the truth. Either way I wouldn’t want to face Tom in the windy conditions. I don’t know if there is anyone better even today in those conditions. Best wishes
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Hi,
We here in the UK don’t think it really matters who you have as your next captain because we think Europe will win anyway.
David
David Rock,
Well David you….hold on a second because…. I got nothing. It’s hard to talk trash when you have been destroyed so many times lately. LOL
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Thanks for your articles CJ. They are both interesting and informative
As a European I can say our preference every time is for a Ryder Cup captain who has recent experience and is quietly determined with no histrionics. The job is to blend 12 very talented players and rich ones at that, into a winning team. It’s a daunting task and certainly not one for the feint hearted or easily excitable. Freddy Couples without doubt !
Regards
Phil Gee
Manchester, England
PHil Gee,
Thanks Phil for the blog post. Maybe that is the secret were missing. We definitely are missing something. I think they need to show videos of Ian Poulter, Keegan Bradley, and Sergio and Seve to the Americans and show them this is how to win. Their fiery attitude is infectious and makes others play better.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Fred Couples…..this is an easy choice!I am not in favor of playing captains……too much pressure…..save that energy for the links!
Thanks
Tom K
Agree….Have followed Fred since ’83. Phil has plenty of time.
Ted,
Thanks Ted. I hope Freddy will take it if asked. It sounded like Davis had to beg him to help with the last one, but who knows. I am not sure all the responsibilities and time constraints that goes into being a captain, but it sounds like a big commitment. We will see.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Tom Kinnear,
Thanks Tom for the blog post. I agree about the playing captain, although I wouldn’t mind Freddy playing. He is still fun to watch.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I Like Freddy
Jerry,
Thanks Jerry. Don’t be afraid to write more and give reasons LOL.
How about Cory Pavin… the feistiest guy in the game?
Andrew Clark-Marlow
Thanks Andrew for the question. I am drawing blank here so please help me. Didn’t he captain one? I can’t believe I don’t know this off the top of my head and I don’t want to look it up.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ